Oaths and an Unshakeable Kingdom

Oaths and VowsLet your yes be a yes,and your no be a no—Be full true here below,and use God’s Name to bless.The KingdomFor Thine is the Kingdom and power and the glory; The King in His beauty is the center of the Story. From His garden temple, which He planted and called Eden, Adam and his line were expelled, on account of treason. Across the years rebellion grew until it reached full measure— God destroyed the garden-world, displaying just displeasure. Noah was saved, and from his kin Shem would be the chosen: Then Abraham, and Isaac's son, Israel—now in Goshen. God's mighty arm was bared against Egypt and the nations— all who stand against the King will feel His devastation. But Jeshurun waxed fat and kicked, she left her Kingly Love, though He had fed her in the desert, nourished from Above, They bucked against the law He gave, and cast off all restraint; Such was her rebellion that even worship felt its taint. But then He sent a monarch true, after His very heart, and David's throne it was established—promising to start. But—sinful, greedy, lusting, coveting—incontinence Passed from generations down: the kingdom departed hence. Carried into exile—Assyria and Babylon pressed their foot against the neck of the people who had gone so far afield from all that God had promised and required— O Come, Emanuel!—of being captive we are tired. And so, fullness of all time, the Father sent the Son, and in His Incarnation Kingdom coming has begun. He purchased it by virtue of His sinless life and death, sealed by His triumphant resurrection; now by His breath He poureth out the Holy Ghost into His holy church. And though we shame His name and by our conduct do besmirch, He promises to use us, and display His wisdom through Sovereign action saving sinners, and all things making new. We see it just in glimpses now, clarity eludes us— So until it comes in fullness, we pray, "come, Lord Jesus." Stopping to Think is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit willdole.substack.com/subscribe